Radiate True Beauty from Within: The Mediterranean Way

True beauty goes beyond appearance; it’s rooted in how we feel inside. By embracing a Mediterranean diet, keeping sugar low, and opting for a meat-free, plant-based lifestyle, I nourish my body while enjoying life’s little pleasures. Here’s how I make wellness a sustainable and enjoyable part of my life—and how you can too!

True Beauty Starts Within

Beauty isn’t just skin-deep; it reflects inner harmony and self-love. In a world that constantly pushes us to chase perfection, I’ve learned that true beauty emerges when we prioritize our inner wellness. This journey begins with caring for our physical health, emotional balance, and mindful living.

Why I Choose the
Mediterranean Diet

When most people hear the word diet, they think of restriction, frustration, and limitation. For many, diet connotes starving, suffering, weight loss, unappetizing food, and endless calorie counting. But going back to the origins of the word gives us a different story. Diet comes from the Greek word diaita, which means way of life. It wasn’t just about food; it was about how people lived, nourished their bodies, and found balance.

With that in mind, it’s empowering to think of diet as a nourishing way of eating and living, rather than as a restrictive or punitive approach. The Mediterranean diet aligns beautifully with this original concept. It’s more than just food; it’s a pattern of living that involves connecting over meals, enjoying fresh, whole ingredients, and savoring life’s pleasures in moderation. The Mediterranean way of life is as much about what we consume as it is about how we live.

As the American journalist Michael Pollan said, "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." Turns out, this is good advice. When you look at depictions of the Mediterranean diet, you’ll notice that they often include movement and socializing, not just food. There’s an emphasis on plants, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while fish and seafood play a supporting role. Poultry, milk, and cheese are consumed in small amounts, and meats and sweets are minimized.

Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces weight, cholesterol, and cardiac risk in numerous well-conducted studies. It focuses on fresh, unprocessed, plant-based foods. Colorful vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans, and unsaturated fats like olive oil are consumed daily. Herbs and spices flavor the dishes instead of too much salt. Fish and seafood are eaten a couple of times per week, while dairy, poultry, and eggs are limited. Packaged and processed foods, as well as sugary treats, soda, and greasy foods, are discouraged.

Blending Tradition with Modern Cuisine

I love to mix traditional foods from my multicultural roots with modern culinary trends. This fusion allows me to cherish family recipes while exploring new flavors. Over the years, I’ve collected some amazing recipes that I can’t wait to share with you, along with interesting facts about nutrition!

Embracing Indulgence

Balance is key. Life is meant to be enjoyed, which includes the occasional treat. Whether it’s some chocolate, a glass of red wine, or a delicious dessert, I believe in savoring life without guilt. While I am opting for a meat-free, plant-predominant lifestyle most of the time, please don’t judge me if you catch me by the sea enjoying a fresh catch of the day drizzled with a generous portion of olive oil, accompanied by some Friulano!

Indulging doesn’t mean breaking the rules; it’s about embracing flexibility. This balance fosters a positive relationship with food and myself.

Inner Beauty Shines Bright

When I nourish my body, practice mindfulness, and embrace a balanced Mediterranean lifestyle, I see the difference. My skin glows, my energy flows, and I feel empowered. This inner radiance.

No Labels, Just Wellness

I don’t like labels, and I won’t label you either. Wellness is a personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters is finding what works for you, free from constraints.

Let’s Journey Together!

I’m here to guide you on your wellness journey. Embrace the Mediterranean diet, explore food trends, and nourish yourself without labels. Remember, there’s always room for joy and indulgence.

True wellness and beauty lie in balance. Embrace your inner beauty, nourish from within, and let your natural radiance shine!

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Katz, D. L., & Meller, S. (2014). Can we say what diet is best for health? Annual Review of Public Health, 35(1), 83–103. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182351

Sofi, F., Cesari, F., Abbate, R., Gensini, G. F., & Casini, A. (2008). Adherence to Mediterranean diet and health status: Meta-analysis. BMJ, 337(a1344). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a134

American Heart Association. (n.d.). To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Retrieved December 10, 2022, from https://www.heart.org/